What Columbus Needs

Wednesday

We asked Alive readers to think about the biggest challenges this city faces, and to suggest solutions for improving Columbus in the future. Here's what they said.

We asked Alive readers to think about the biggest challenges this city faces, and to suggest solutions for improving Columbus in the future. Nearly 200 completed the survey at ColumbusAlive.com. We examine the results on the following pages, and we'll meet to discuss them at 5 p.m. tonight at Crew Stadium. You're invited to join us at the forum sponsored by Alive, Young Professionals of Columbus and the Columbus Chamber (for details and to register for the free event, click to Columbus.org).

What's the most important challenge Columbus is now facing?

"Better reputation for Columbus Public Schools. Development will follow them back into urban neighborhoods."

"Filling up the vacant storefronts Downtown with small, interesting merchants and restaurants ... all of which are open till at least 8 p.m."

"Overcoming car culture."

"Brain drain - talented young professionals leaving the city for jobs elsewhere."

What's one thing that should be done to improve the city's future?

"Create a robust and diverse transportation system infrastructure: pedestrians and bikes, buses and light rail, scooters and cars."

"Parking in the Short North - lack of it sometimes causes me to go elsewhere."

"Turn City Center into a five-star casino. Instant hip Downtown."

"Create more 24-hour services: mass transit, coffeehouses, sit-down restaurants, community centers, nice places to meet people and spend time and money."

How do you compare Columbus' arts and culture offerings to other cities'?

9% much worse

30% a little worse

27% about the same

27% a little better

7% much better

What should be done to improve the arts scene here?

"Promote the arts that are off the beaten path. The Short North overshadows everything else even though there are many great events going on in other neighborhoods."

"More publicity, especially for the lesser-known galleries and music venues, would increase public awareness and support."

"Partner more closely with OSU."

"More live music Downtown ... More medium-sized clubs to replace Little Brother's."

How do you compare Columbus' sports and major events offerings to other cities'?

9% much worse

27% a little worse

30% about the same

22% a little better

12% much better

What events have you seen in other cities that we should do here?

"I love that Rock on the Range is here, but I would like to see a monthly concert event to keep people Downtown after 5 p.m. on the weekends."

"We should have an NBA or NFL team ... We are the capital city!"

"Continue to pursue major events like the NHL All-Star Game."

"Columbus needs a marquee event. When you think of Indianapolis, you think of the Indy 500, whether you like it or not. When someone thinks of Columbus, they think of ...?"